Electrical Engineering

Students at XJTU, researchers at Polimi

After completing a double degree in Electrical engineering, you decided to continue your academic career in Italy, at Polimi, first obtaining a PhD and now working as a researcher. Why did you take this decision?

Xinglong:

I belong to the first generation of students participating in the double-degree program between PoliMi and XJTU and I had a wonderful experience at Polimi working on my thesis on the topic “EMC” (Electromagnetic Compatibility) which I like very much.  After the master’s studies, I started to work but I realized very soon that I was more interested in research. It was natural for me to apply for a PhD at PoliMi and I am still working here, doing some research on EMC.

Xiaokang:

Similarly to Xinglong I too realized I was interested in research shortly after I landed my first job. It was 2016 and I was living in Shanghai. Besides Polimi I was considering other prestigious universities like ETH Zurich and EPFL (École Polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne), but just then Prof. Flavia Grassi, who had been my tutor at Polimi, passed by Shanghai after her journey to Xi’an. We had her favorite baozi near the Shanghai tower and I told her about my plan: she approved it and was willing to be my PhD supervisor at Polimi. That was it.

It was a good choice for me, also considering that I was already familiar with Polimi and doing research there. In addition, a Phd degree can be obtained in 3 years in Polimi, if you work hard, while this seldomly happens in Swiss, Germany or China.

Why would you suggest a Polimi student to study at XJTU? What are the benefits from your point of view?

Xinglong:

First of all, at XJTU students are always encouraged to do research starting from the very beginning of their master’s studies. You have the chance to choose a supervisor and join a research group, which include senior master students and PhDs and you are assigned a specific working space (including personal desk and PC). This gives you the opportunity to start your academic career and be involved in some research publications or take part in projects inside companies while still studying your Master, which surely will facilitate your job hunting after graduation.

I personally know both Chinese and Italian double-degree students who have signed some research publications together with their Chinese supervisors.

From a cultural viewpoint living in Xi’an is a precious experience. Xi’an, which has a very long history, is still one of the most important cities in China now. Therefore, it is a perfect city for foreigners to get to know Chinese culture and how it has evolved during time.

Xiaokang:

XJTU is a collection of possibilities.

If you are fond of academic research, it would be a perfect place. XJTU is well known for its rigorous research background and we have a variety of research groups/laboratories for you to choose from.

If you are planning to seek a job in China it would be easy to find a position in your targeted companies since graduates from XJTU are famous for their ability, talent and hard-work.

If you like enjoying your life XJTU will not let you down with its more than 100 students’ clubs (of Kung-Fu, rowing, traditional Chinese dancing and musical instruments, skateboarding, Rubik’s cube, etc.). Several canteens with numerous Chinese dishes are there to fulfill your appetite and soul. Besides there are all the experiences you can live outside the campus. Most importantly living and studying in a foreign country is a real eye-opener and a great way to gain life experience.

What are you missing most of your life in Xi’an now?

Xinglong:

Cycling on the city walls! It is really a unique experience. I enjoyed it many times when I was studying at XJTU.  Xi’an city walls have a rectangular shape and embrace the historic center whose view you can enjoy while cycling.

Xiaokang:

I miss my Chinese colleagues, supervisor, friends, the laughter and busy days we had. Now it’s early winter and the golden leaves remind me of the old happy time in XJTU when I was taking the everyday walk on a road sided by plane trees, from dormitory to the lab. But what I miss most is probably the university canteen where I could enjoy all the best Chinese dishes right after class and research. Well, the Italian cuisine is wonderful but I cannot help missing my home country cuisine😊